Ordway Celebrates Duke Ellington With DREAMING OF THE DUKE

Rejoice in the music of one of the greatest jazz legends of all time with "Dreaming the Duke," a one-of-a-kind tribute to Edward "Duke" Ellington performed by Nnenna Freelon, Harolyn Blackwell and Mike Garson. "Dreaming the Duke" is at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts on February 21, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. as part of Ordway's Target® World Music and Dance Series.

Jazz meets classical as award-winning vocalists Nnenna Freelon (jazz) and Harolyn Blackwell (classical) celebrate Ellington's timeless music. Connecting the jazz and classical worlds alongside Freelon and Blackwell is famous pianist Mike Garson who has dabbled in every musical industry genre including composing, arranging and musical directing. From J.S Bach to David Bowie, Garson's boundless musical talents have made him one of the most in-demand pianists in jazz and pop.

Nnenna Freelon, a six-time Grammy Award-nominated vocalist has worked with such leading jazz artists as Billy Taylor, Yusef Lateef, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Dianne Reeves throughout her critically acclaimed career.

Harolyn Blackwell is recognized for her expressive and exuberant performances with a career spanning opera, concert and recital stages around the world.

Mike Garson is best known for his impressive skills as a pianist, but is also known as a respected composer in the industry. He has toured with artists such as the Smashing Pumpkins and David Bowie, while also having appeared on albums with Nine Inch Nails, No Doubt and Seal.

Freelon, Blackwell and Garson will be joined on stage by a String Quartet and five additional musicians to create an evening of music no Ellington fan will want to miss. Ellington favorites will be performed including "Prelude to a Kiss," "It Don't Mean a Thing" and "Love You Madly," with some lesser-known selections from the Ellington canon such as "Black Butterfly."

Ticket holders are invited to attend a special, no-charge Ordway Extra in the Marzitelli Foyer before the show at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about Ordway Extras, visit ordway.org/events.

Ordway Center for the Performing ArtsThe Ordway celebrates its 25th anniversary season as one of the nation's leading not-for-profit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Main Hall and McKnight Theatre stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, jazz, dance, and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.